Japan and WFP partner to protect food security of communities against extreme weather in the Bangsamoro, Philippines
MANILA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Japan signed an agreement to strengthen support to farmers and fishermen, protecting them from extreme weather shocks in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Japan’s contribution of Japanese Yen 757 million (approximately US$4.9 million) will directly benefit 36,000 individuals, including conflict-affected communities. This will also help strengthen the BARMM Government’s disaster management systems to integrate early warning and anticipatory action.
“We recognize that the peace process in Mindanao is crucial not only for the Philippines but for the entire Asian region. As a committed partner of the Philippines, Japan has made peace and development in Mindanao as one of the key pillars of our cooperation efforts. This project with WFP well aligns with the objectives of the normalization efforts for the region,” said Mr Kazuya Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines.
The ceremony was attended by the Embassy of Japan First Secretary Hidenori Akasaka; WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman; BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Shuaib Yacob; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima; and representatives of various national and BARMM government agencies.
“Japan has consistently been a vital partner in fostering enduring peace in BARMM,” said WFP’s Regis Chapman. “Through initiatives ranging from disaster relief to school meals, we continue our efforts to ensure that no one in BARMM is left behind. We thank the Government and the people of Japan for their support,”
In 2024, the partnership between Japan, the BARMM Government, and WFP provided food assistance and livelihood opportunities to 50,000 individuals.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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